Shillong, July 6: The Meghalaya government is likely to take a decision on the proposed relocation of the Harijan Colony from Them Iew Mawlong by the end of July after holding one final review meeting, Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Urban Affairs Sniawbhalang Dhar said on Monday.
Speaking to reporters, Dhar said the government is awaiting one more meeting to assess the latest developments before arriving at a final decision. “We are planning by the end of this month. We are yet to sit for one more meeting and we will take the exact report on what is there. So maybe finally we will have the exact report,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister said one of the options discussed during the last meeting was seeking land from the Defence authorities for the relocation of the colony. The government is currently awaiting feedback following discussions held between state and Defence officials. “We are awaiting the final conversation between the officials and the Defence. So let us hope by the end of this month I will be able to share something with regard to the latest status of the Harijan Colony,” Dhar said.
On the amount of land required, he clarified that no formal request has yet been made to the Defence authorities, as detailed discussions are still pending. “We did not ask how much. We have to discuss it first. If they are willing, we will say this much land is required. We have identified 2-3 places but till now we have not received any signal from the Defence, because even the Chief Minister has had 2-3 meetings with the Union Defence Minister,” he said.
Dhar added that it was too early to indicate a timeline for securing land, saying discussions must be completed before the government can decide the next course of action.
Responding to questions on the government’s previously prepared relocation blueprint, Dhar said it remains under consideration while the Defence land proposal is being explored as an alternative. “The Blueprint remains as it is. Now we have got another option with the Defence. So both sides are ready. If Plan A is not working, we will go with Plan B. The government will take a call on how to proceed ahead,” he added.
